Powell Point

Powell Point is a South Rim overlook on Hermit Road, west of Grand Canyon Village. A short walk along the ridge brings you to broad views into the canyon, with the Colorado River visible below. The point also has a granite memorial to John Wesley Powell, whose Colorado River expeditions it commemorates. You can reach it on the Rim Trail or by shuttle, and nearby viewpoints make it easy to extend the walk. The west-facing horizon draws people here at sunset; take care near the edge, where there are no railings.

The overlook and its memorial

Powell Point sits on Hermit Road, along the South Rim west of Grand Canyon Village. The viewpoint extends along a ridge, giving you views into the canyon and a sense of the rim falling away on either side. The Colorado River can be seen below, and the overlook offers views of the canyon’s varied rock formations.

A granite memorial at the point commemorates John Wesley Powell and his exploratory journeys down the Colorado River. Powell’s name is also tied to the point itself. The monument adds a piece of exploration history to a stop otherwise focused on the landscape.

Getting there and walking the rim

You can reach Powell Point by shuttle or on foot along the Rim Trail. The trail links it with neighboring overlooks, including Maricopa Point to the east and Hopi Point to the west. The walk between Powell Point and Hopi Point is about 0.3 miles. Walking lets you take in the rim scenery along the way; the shuttle is another way to travel Hermit Road.

Private vehicles can use Hermit Road from December through February, but snow and ice can affect driving and the road may close in hazardous conditions. Parking at Powell Point is limited, so plan ahead if you are driving during that period.